Corn turns out to be popular winter delight

Islamabad : With the constant dip in mercury and the arrival of the winter season, different corners of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are echoing with the voice of corn sellers roaming the cities with their carts attracting people of all ages, especially children.

The aroma of corn and firewood rising from the wood-fired stove attracts food lovers as well as diet-conscious people. During the season, the corn hawkers can be found on every corner especially outside educational institutions, markets, and offices, offering roasted corn kernels heated in the sand and sprinkled with lemon and spices. "The traditional winter delicacy of hot corn has always remained a favorite for my kids and they use to buy it almost every day,'''' said a mother while talking to this agency.

She said that all other snacks available for children in their schools and outside are not healthy but these hot corns are hygienic as well as a healthy snack for my children. Muhammad Shafeeq, a college student while sharing his views said that corn always remains the first and favourite choice for us as a snack but recent inflation also increased the prices of corn and vendors are also fleecing the buyers by charging high. Last year, the rate of boiled corn was between Rs20 to Rs30 which is now between Rs40 to Rs60 which is a big jump but still, it is very economical in comparison with other snacks which are not only expensive but unhealthy as well.

A group of working women enjoying corn on a roadside told APP that they often buy roasted or boiled corn from outside our college as it is a very healthy and nutritious snack that is free of unhygienic oil and spices. Served with lemon and a sprinkling of salt and pepper, these fresh maize kernels have great nutritional value and are a staple for people on the go. According to a nutritionist, Faiza Shams, corn is a complete and nutritious diet for people of all ages which is also a healthy and tasteful diet for diet-conscious people.

Normal-size corn contains vitamin B-12 and folic acid which prevents anaemia and has sufficient iron in it to increase red blood cells in the human body, she added. She said that other snacks which children use to buy are not good for their health as the majority of them are made with substandard ingredients and unhygienic conditions. The corns are the best choice for people of all ages as it is the best and most balanced snack for all.

A school girl, Ayza said, “Whenever I hear the voice of corn sellers in my street or I spot them outside my school I cannot stop myself from craving some as it is my all-time favourite delight.” She said that her parents always stop her from consuming packed snacks and fast food but due to the health and hygiene value of corn they never stop her from eating corn. Iyaz Khan, a corn seller said that it’s a fact that the price of corn has gone up during the recent year but his profits have shrunk.

Last year we were charging Rs15 for a small cob and Rs30 for a large one but now due to the increased price of material we have had to increase the prices which are badly affecting our business.

He said that people irrespective of their ages crowd the carts for buying hot corn in the chilly weather as it is the favourite delight of everyone but children are the more frequent customers of corn. He said that they do this business only during winter but they are unable to earn handsome profits due to inflation.